Can the war in Ukraine be stopped through international mechanisms? Could the establishment of a Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) be a path to stability? How can Putin be held accountable?

These and other pressing issues were discussed during the Ukrainian Global Law Talks webinar, which featured Professor David Crane, a prominent international lawyer, founding Chief Prosecutor of the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone, founder of the Global Accountability Network, and key consultant for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for Ukraine.

MFO for Ukraine: A Viable Scenario or a Utopian Idea?

Professor Crane introduced the idea of a Multinational Force and Observers (MFO)—a stabilization mechanism aimed at separating the warring sides and reducing the intensity of hostilities. He compared a potential mission in Ukraine to the multinational forces that have maintained peace between Israel and Egypt in the Sinai Peninsula for over 40 years.

"The main advantage of the MFO is that it is not peacekeeping in the traditional sense but rather the creation of a buffer zone that provides a chance for a political resolution. The alternative is endless war."

However, this approach raises several critical questions. Would Ukraine agree to it if it meant temporarily freezing the occupation of its territories? Which countries would be considered truly neutral participants in such a force?

A Special Tribunal for Ukraine: The Last Chance for Justice?

While MFO could help halt the fighting, a Special Tribunal is seen as a way to hold those responsible accountable.

"Impunity breeds new crimes. If the world does not punish Russia for its aggression, it will send a signal to other dictators that they can act without consequences."

From a legal standpoint, the creation of a Special Tribunal is entirely possible, but the real challenge lies in making a political decision to establish it.

"International law does not recognize a statute of limitations for the crime of aggression, war crimes, or crimes against humanity. But if the Tribunal is not established soon, the world may simply ‘move on’ to other issues, and this will become yet another example of impunity."

The Council of Europe is already finalizing the Statute of the Tribunal, and the next step depends on the political will of participating states.

Can International Law Withstand the Test of Time?

Professor Crane noted that the world is currently experiencing an era of "strong leaders", where authoritarian regimes openly challenge democratic values. However, history proves that such periods eventually give way to the restoration of the international legal order—provided that democracies do not back down.

"Time and distraction are Putin’s most powerful weapons. He is waiting for the West to lose interest and for Europe to be forced into compromises. This is why Ukraine and its allies cannot afford to let the world simply move on, as happened with Syria and Sudan."

Despite all the challenges, international law remains the foundation of global stability.

Watch the webinar recording below.

Additional Materials

As a continuation of the discussion, we recommend listening to the first episode of the "Lawyering Peace" podcast featuring David Crane. This episode explores potential ceasefire models, power diplomacy, and shifts in the global order. This podcast provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of peace negotiations for Ukraine. Listen to the podcast on: Apple, Spotify, Podbean, YouTube.

Stay updated on upcoming events in the Ukrainian Global Law Talks series on the UBA website.

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